On Friday, the DFL released the game plans of the Bundesliga and the 2nd Bundesliga. Many things influence the design – including money.
Who plays against whom? The creation of game plans can actually be broken down to this simple question. However, there are extensive considerations and specifications.
On Friday, the German Football League (DFL) released the encounters for the Bundesliga and for the 2nd Bundesliga in the 2025/26 season.
Which topics influence the approaches?
Several factors play a role:
- The police wishes: The same or similar travel paths of rival fan groups are to be avoided, including various leagues. If possible, risk games should take place in daylight rather than in the evening.
- Local special features: The carnival in the Rhineland can speak against home games of the clubs concerned, and regional holidays or stadium assignments through other events also play a role.
- Candatory play window: FIFA has the first access to the global football calendar. The international play windows take place like every season in September, October, November and March. There will be a change here for the 2026/27 season. Then there will be a long and a short window with four or two games in autumn instead of three short.
- Club World Cup and World Cup: For the first time the season takes place between two big tournaments. The Bundesliga had never taken into account the club World Cup before the start, the World Cup 2026 with 48 teams lasts one week longer than last for the first time.
- The European Cup: Since the reform, there have been four other game dates in European competitions. Anyone who plays on Thursdays in the Europa League or in the Conference League must play on Sundays the following weekend in the Bundesliga.
- The money: For the 2025/26 season, a new media contract of the DFL. A measure to increase the revenues: The owners of live rights now have more frequent co-determination rights about which games take place on Fridays, Saturdays or Sundays.
Why are the exact appointments published in blocks?
Only when it is clear which international starter is playing when can the exact dates be determined. For example, a Champions League participant who plays Tuesday should not previously play a Bundesliga game on Sunday to offer the players enough opportunity to regenerate. Before and after international games, there must be at least two game -free days for the teams.
There is always criticism of organized fan scenes as well as on Friday or Sunday evenings.
When will the schedule be made?
The planning begins in spring. However, the final work on the plans can only start when promoters and relegations are certain.
306 games on 34 match days must be defined in both seasons.
When is playing?
The 63rd Bundesliga season will open on Friday, August 22nd. The 2nd Bundesliga starts three weeks in advance, i.e. on August 1st.
After the 15th matchday in the Bundesliga and the 17th matchday of the second division, we go into a short winter break. The 34th and last matchday is 16./17 for the weekend. May scheduled.